The Britain’s King Charles III has expressed his admiration for Nigeria’s rise, its people, and the nation’s influence in the United Kingdom and closed with a flourish in Nigerian Pidgin that drew smiles from guests, saying, “Naija No Dey Carry Last!” (Nigerians Never Come Last), as he proposed a toast to the President and people of Nigeria.
Penpushing reports that the event held at St George’s Hall was part of activities marking Tinubu’s two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, which is expected to boost bilateral cooperation between the two nations,
The British monarch described Nigeria as a nation of over 230 million people, half under 18, full of energy, ingenuity, ambition and resolve to tackle global challenges, and highlighted how Nigerian culture has enriched Britain, from Afrobeats in concert halls to Nollywood on screens.
Penpushing further reports that he mentioned Nigerian stars competing in the Premier League and adjudicating in courts, as well as Nollywood captivating on the country’s screens
“From Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars competing in our Premier League and adjudicating our highest courts, so much of Britain’s culture is, in truth, profoundly enriched by Nigeria.”
Penpushing also reports that Charles praised Nigeria’s model of peaceful coexistence among faiths, as he referenced support for Nigeria’s Quick Reaction Forces and aid in Northern Nigeria.
“This afternoon, I witnessed one such example of how we are learning from one another when we met leaders of the British Christian and Muslim communities. The gathering was a deeply meaningful symbol of what Nigeria has long shown: that people of different faiths can, do, and must live alongside one another, in peace, in harmony and in shared purpose’, he said.
Penpushing reports that King Charles described Nigeria as an economic powerhouse, a cultural force and an influential diplomatic voice, however, pointed out that there are chapters in shared history that he knows have left some painful marks, but doesn’t want to offer words that dissolve the past
“There are chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks. I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can’, the British monarch emphasised
Penpushing further reports that he, however, emphasised learning from history to build a better future, and equally highlighted growing investments, including Nigerian banks operating in the City of London, companies listing on the London Stock Exchange, and expanding tech partnerships.
The King pointed out that Nigeria became the United Kingdom’s biggest export market in Africa in January 2026, with mutual tourism spending hitting £178 million each way in 2024.
“I was pleased to see that visitors from Nigeria spent £178 million in Britain in 2024, and 251,000 people from Britain travelled to Nigeria and spent just as much, in return’, Charles stated.
“In January of this year, Nigeria became the United Kingdom’s biggest export market in Africa and whilst I hear that in Nigeria the phrase ‘Made in U.K.’ has always symbolised the highest quality, it evidently now has a distinctively Nigerian flavour,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that Charles agreed with President Bola Tinubu that the Commonwealth’s time has come and described United Kingdom -Nigeria relations as a partnership of equals and a deeply spiritual connection, beyond churches and mosques.
The King said the ties strengthen shared security, prosperity, and hope for the future, as he celebrated over half a million Nigerians and people of Nigerian heritage thriving in Britain, describing them as a living bridge, enriching United Kingdom culture across sectors including business, technology, academia, law, science, sport, literature, arts, and public service.
Penpushing reports that the Britain’s King ended his speech with the popular Pidgin phrase, declaring, “Naija No Dey Carry Last!”, which attracted applause and laughter from the gatherings
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